U.S. patent application number 16/497075 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-08 for imaging device.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIDEC COPAL CORPORATION. The applicant listed for this patent is NIDEC COPAL CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Takuma ISHIKAWA, Yuta NAKAMURA.
Application Number | 20210105387 16/497075 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005302207 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210105387 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
NAKAMURA; Yuta ; et
al. |
April 8, 2021 |
IMAGING DEVICE
Abstract
An imaging device, having a substrate for mounting an imaging
portion; a lens barrel for holding a lens group; a shield plate
covering the vicinity of the substrate; and a case disposed so as
to cover the lens barrel, the substrate, and the shield plate,
wherein: the shield plate is structured having a contacting portion
that contacts another member so as to constrain movement in the
optical axial direction, and a biasing portion that contacts the
coupling so as to receive a biasing force in the optical axial
direction.
Inventors: |
NAKAMURA; Yuta; (Tokyo,
JP) ; ISHIKAWA; Takuma; (Tokyo, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NIDEC COPAL CORPORATION |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Assignee: |
NIDEC COPAL CORPORATION
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
1000005302207 |
Appl. No.: |
16/497075 |
Filed: |
March 26, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
March 26, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/JP2018/012231 |
371 Date: |
September 24, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03B 17/17 20130101;
H04N 5/3577 20130101; H04N 5/2254 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/225 20060101
H04N005/225; H04N 5/357 20060101 H04N005/357; G03B 17/17 20060101
G03B017/17 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 24, 2017 |
JP |
2017-060214 |
Mar 24, 2017 |
JP |
2017-060215 |
Claims
1. An imaging device, comprising: a substrate mounting an imaging
portion; a lens barrel holding a lens group; a shield plate
covering a periphery of the substrate; and a case disposed so as to
cover the lens barrel, the substrate, and the shield plate,
wherein: the shield plate has a contacting portion that contacts
another member so as to prevent movement in the optical axial
direction, and a biasing portion that contacts another member so as
to receive a biasing force in the optical axial direction.
2. The imaging device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the shield
plate comprises: a flat face portion that is perpendicular to the
optical axial direction; and a side face portion that extends from
the flat face portion toward the optical axial direction, covering
the outside of the substrate.
3. The imaging device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the biasing
portion is a leaf spring portion that is formed integrally with the
shield plate.
4. The imaging device as set forth in claim 2, wherein the biasing
portion is a leaf spring portion that is formed on the flat face
portion.
5. The imaging device as set forth in claim 1, wherein the shield
plate is connected electrically to a ground electropotential.
6. The imaging device as set forth in claim 5, further comprising:
a connector, disposed in the optical axial rearward direction of
the shield plate, supplying electric power to the imaging device,
wherein: the shield plate is connected electrically to a ground
electropotential of the connector.
7. An imaging device, comprising: a first substrate mounting an
imaging portion; a second substrate mounting an electronic
component; a lens barrel holding a lens group; a first shield plate
covering a periphery of the first substrate; a second shield plate
covering a periphery of the second substrate; a case disposed so as
to cover the lens barrel, the substrates, the first shield plate
and the second shield plate, wherein: the first shield plate and
the second shield plate are disposed so as to not move relative to
each other in the optical axial direction; the first shield plate
or the second shield plate has a contacting portion contacting
another member so as to constrain movement in the optical axial
direction; and the other, of the second shield plate or the first
shield plate, has a biasing portion for contacting another member
so as to receive a biasing force in the optical axial
direction.
8. The imaging device as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the first
shield plate comprises: a first flat face portion that is
perpendicular to the optical axial direction; and a first side face
portion that extends from the flat face portion toward the optical
axial direction, covering the outside of the first substrate; and
the second shield plate comprises: a second flat face portion that
is perpendicular to the optical axial direction; and a second side
face portion that extends from the flat face portion toward the
optical axial direction, covering the outside of the second
substrate.
9. The imaging device as set forth in claim 8, wherein: the biasing
portion is a leaf spring portion that is formed on the second flat
face portion.
10. The imaging device as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the first
shield plate has the contacting portion; the second shield plate
has the biasing portion; and the first flat face portion contacts
an end portion, in the optical axial forward direction, of the
second side face portion.
11. The imaging device as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the first
shield plate and the second shield plate are connected electrically
to a ground electropotential.
12. The imaging device as set forth in claim 11, further
comprising: a connector, disposed in the optical axial rearward
direction of the first shield plate and the second shield plate,
for supplying electric power to the imaging device, wherein: the
first shield plate and the second shield plate are connected
electrically to a ground electropotential of the connector.
13. The imaging device as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the first
side face portion has a rearward extending portion that extends
further in the optical axial rearward direction than the first flat
face portion; and in the second side face portion, the contacting
portion that contacts the first flat face portion is disposed at a
position that is nearer to the optical axis than the rearward
extending portion.
14. The imaging device as set forth in claim 7, wherein: the first
flat face portion or the second flat face portion is disposed
between the first substrate and the second substrate.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a National Stage Application of
International Application No. PCT/JP2018/012231 filed Mar. 26, 2018
and claims priority to Japanese Application Nos. 2017-060214 and
2017-060215, both filed Mar. 24, 2017. All above applications are
incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0002] One aspect of the present invention relates to an imaging
device.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Sometimes imaging devices, wherein the lens barrel and a
substrate upon which an imaging element is mounted are contained
within a case, are structured through the provision of a shield
plate that covers the area around the substrate on which the
imaging element is mounted, as a noise countermeasure. Japanese
Unexamined Patent Application Publication 2011-164461 discloses a
camera device that is structured through the provision of a shield
case for blocking electromagnetic radiation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] On the other hand, in recent years vehicle-mounted cameras
have become ubiquitous. In such vehicle-mounted cameras, the space
for mounting is limited, and thus conventionally there have been
strong demands for further miniaturization. Moreover, there have
also been demands for miniaturization in imaging devices other than
vehicle-mounted cameras.
[0005] The present invention adopts means such as the following in
order to solve the problem described above. Note that while in the
explanation below, reference symbols from the drawings are written
in parentheses for ease in understanding the present invention, the
individual structural elements of the present invention are not
limited to those that are written, but rather should be interpreted
broadly, in a range that could be understood technically by a
person skilled in the art.
[0006] One means according to the present invention is an imaging
device, including a substrate (41) for mounting an imaging portion;
a lens barrel (3) for holding a lens group; a shield plate (6, 6a)
covering the vicinity of the substrate; a case (1, 8) disposed so
as to cover the lens barrel, the substrate, and the shield plate.
Where the shield plate has a contacting portion (D) that contacts
another member so as to prevent movement in the optical axial
direction, and a biasing portion (63, 63a) that contacts another
member so as to receive a biasing force in the optical axial
direction.
[0007] In the imaging device of the structure set forth above,
structuring through the provision of a shield plate enables
isolation of electromagnetic noise in respect to the electronic
components, and the like, included in the imaging portion that are
mounted on the substrate, while enabling stabilization of the
position of the shield plate through the biasing portion.
Additionally, because the position of the shield plate is
stabilized by the biasing portion, this can reduce the shape that
protrudes toward the outside, when compared to a structure wherein
the shield plate is secured using a pawl, or the like. This enables
a structure that reduces the size of the imaging device. Moreover,
when compared to a shape that uses a pawl, or the like, disassembly
is easier after the device has been assembled, enabling a structure
wherein repairs are easier.
[0008] In the imaging device set forth above the shield plate (6,
6a) has a flat face portion (61, 61a) that is perpendicular to the
optical axial direction; and a side face portion (62, 62a) that
extends from the flat face portion toward the optical axial
direction, covering the outside of the substrate.
[0009] The imaging device of the structure set forth above enables
effective prevention of the effects of electromagnetic noise on the
substrate.
[0010] In the imaging device set forth above the biasing portion is
a leaf spring portion (63, 63a) that is formed integrally with the
shield plate.
[0011] Additionally, in the imaging device set forth above the
biasing portion is a leaf spring portion that is formed on the flat
face portion (63, 63a).
[0012] The imaging device structured as set forth above enables the
position of the shield plate to be stabilized by a leaf spring that
can be formed with relative ease.
[0013] In the imaging device set forth above the shield plate is
connected electrically to a ground electropotential.
[0014] In the imaging device structured as set forth above, the
shield plate is at the ground electropotential, enabling more
effective prevention of the effects of electromagnetic noise on the
substrate.
[0015] The imaging device set forth further has a connector (9,
9a), disposed in the optical axial rearward direction of the shield
plate, for supplying electric power to the imaging device, wherein
the shield plate is connected electrically to a ground
electropotential of the connector.
[0016] In the imaging device structured as set forth above, the
shield plate is connected to a low-impedance ground
electropotential, enabling more effective prevention of the effects
of electromagnetic noise on the substrate.
[0017] Another means according to the present invention is an
imaging device, having a first substrate (41) for mounting an
imaging portion; a second substrate (42) for mounting an electronic
component; a lens barrel (3) for holding a lens group; a first
shield plate (610) for covering the periphery of the first
substrate; a second shield plate (620) for covering the periphery
of the second substrate; and a case (1, 8) disposed so as to cover
the lens barrel, the substrates, the first shield plate and the
second shield plate, wherein: the first shield plate and the second
shield plate are disposed so as to not move relative to each other
in the optical axial direction; the first shield plate or the
second shield plate has a contacting portion for contacting another
member so as to constrain movement in the optical axial direction;
and the other, of the second shield plate or the first shield
plate, has a biasing portion (620c) for contacting another member
so as to receive a biasing force in the optical axial
direction.
[0018] In the imaging device structured as described above, the
first substrate and the second substrate can be protected
effectively from electromagnetic noise through the structure
wherein the first shield plate and the second shield plate are
provided. Moreover, the structure that has the biasing portion
makes it possible to reduce the shape that protrudes toward the
outside, when compared to a structure wherein the shield plates are
secured using a pawl, or the like, while stabilizing the positions
of the first shield plate and the second shield plate. This enables
a structure that reduces the size of the imaging device. Moreover,
when compared to a shape that uses a pawl, or the like, disassembly
is easier after the device has been assembled, enabling a structure
wherein repairs are easier.
[0019] Preferably in the imaging device set forth above the first
shield plate (610) has a first flat face portion that is
perpendicular to the optical axial direction; and a first side face
portion that extends from the flat face portion toward the optical
axial direction, covering the outside of the first substrate; and
the second shield plate (620) has a second flat face portion that
is perpendicular to the optical axial direction; and a second side
face portion that extends from the flat face portion toward the
optical axial direction, covering the outside of the second
substrate.
[0020] The imaging device of the structure set forth above enables
effective prevention of the effects of electromagnetic noise on the
first substrate and on the second substrate.
[0021] In the imaging device set forth above the biasing portion is
a leaf spring portion that is formed on the second flat face
portion (620c).
[0022] The imaging device structured as set forth above enables the
position of the shield plate to be stabilized by a leaf spring that
can be formed with relative ease.
[0023] In the imaging device set forth above the first shield plate
has the contacting portion; the second shield plate has the biasing
portion; and the first flat face portion contacts an end portion,
in the optical axial forward direction, of the second side face
portion.
[0024] The imaging device of the structure set forth above enables
a structure that can more easily stabilize the positions of the
first shield plate and the second shield plate.
[0025] In the imaging device set forth above the first shield plate
and the second shield plate are connected electrically to a ground
electropotential.
[0026] In the imaging device structured as set forth above, the
first shield plate and the second shield plate will be at the
ground electropotential, enabling more effective prevention of the
effects of electromagnetic noise on the substrate.
[0027] The imaging device set forth above further includes a
connector (9), disposed in the optical axial rearward direction of
the first shield plate and the second shield plate, for supplying
electric power to the imaging device, wherein the first shield
plate and the second shield plate are connected electrically to a
ground electropotential of the connector.
[0028] In the imaging device structured as set forth above, the
shield plate is connected to a low-impedance ground
electropotential, enabling more effective prevention of the effects
of electromagnetic noise on the substrates.
[0029] In the imaging device set forth above the first side face
portion has a rearward extending portion (610c) that extends
further in the optical axial rearward direction than the first flat
face portion; and in the second side face portion, the contacting
portion (620e) that contacts the first flat face portion is
disposed at a position that is nearer to the optical axis than the
rearward extending portion.
[0030] The imaging device structured as described above enables
prevention of the second shield plate becoming detached, in the
optical axial forward direction, through shifting in respect to the
first shield plate.
[0031] In the imaging device set forth above the first flat face
portion or the second flat face portion is disposed between the
first substrate and the second substrate.
[0032] The imaging device structured as described above enables
shielding of electromagnetic noise that would propagate between the
first substrate and the second substrate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is an exterior perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to an example, viewed from the front side.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an exterior perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to an example, viewed from the rear side.
[0035] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to the an example, viewed from the front side.
[0036] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to the example, viewed from the rear side.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram of the imaging device
according to the example.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of a shield plate according
to the example.
[0039] FIG. 7 is a six-view diagram of a shield plate according to
the example.
[0040] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to another example, viewed from the front
side.
[0041] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to the other example, viewed from the rear
side.
[0042] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram of the imaging device
according to the other example.
[0043] FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a shield plate according
to the other example.
[0044] FIG. 12 is a six-view diagram of a shield plate according to
the other example.
[0045] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to a further example, viewed from the front
side.
[0046] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective diagram, viewing the
imaging device of the further example from the front side, with the
first shield plate removed.
[0047] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective diagram of an imaging
device according to the further example, viewed from the rear
side.
[0048] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional diagram of the imaging device
according to the further example.
[0049] FIG. 17 is a perspective diagram of the first shield plate
according to the further example.
[0050] FIG. 18 is a six-view diagram of the first shield plate
according to the further example.
[0051] FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram of the second shield plate
according to the further example.
[0052] FIG. 20 is a six-view diagram of the second shield plate
according to the further example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] In the imaging device according to the present invention,
one distinctive feature is the point that the shield plate, which
has a noise shielding function, has a biasing portion, and is held
stably while biased in the optical axial direction.
[0054] Note that in this Specification, the position of the center
of the lens, that is, the position of the center of the light that
is incident into the imaging element, is termed the "optical axis."
The object that is imaged, positioned on the side of the lens that
is opposite from the imaging element, will be termed the "imaging
subject." The direction in which the imaging subject is position,
in respect to the imaging element, will be termed the "front side"
or "optical axial forward direction," and the direction at which
the imaging element is positioned, in respect to the imaging
subject, will be termed the "rear side" or "optical axial rearward
direction."
[0055] An example according to the present invention will be
explained following the structures below. However, the example
explained below is no more than an example of the present
invention, and must not be interpreted as limiting the technical
scope of the present invention. Note that in the various drawings,
identical reference symbols are assigned to identical structural
elements, and explanations thereof may be omitted.
[0056] An example according to the present invention will be
explained in reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are
exterior perspective diagrams of an imaging device according to the
present example, wherein FIG. 1 is a diagram seen from the front
side and FIG. 2 is a diagram seen from the rear side. FIG. 3 and
FIG. 4 are perspective assembly diagrams of an imaging device
according to the present example, wherein FIG. 3 is a diagram seen
from the front side and FIG. 4 is a diagram seen from the rear
side. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram of the imaging device
according to the present example.
[0057] As depicted in FIG. 1 through FIG. 5, an imaging device
according to the present example is structured including a front
case 1, a waterproofing seal 2, a lens barrel 3, a first substrate
41, a second substrate 42, a shield plate 6, a waterproofing seal
7, a rear case 8, a connector 9, and couplings 51, 52, and 53.
[0058] <Front Case 1>
The front case 1 is a member for forming the case of the imaging
device, together with the rear case 8, and is formed from resin, or
the like. The front case 1 has an opening portion, centered on the
optical axis A, in the optical axial forward direction, and, in the
optical axial rearward direction, is open, so as to be able to
connect to the rear case 8, and has side faces in essentially a
rectangular shape, so as to cover the optical axis A. By connecting
the front case 1 and the rear case 8, a space is formed that
contains the lens barrel 3, the first substrate 41, the second
substrate 42, and the like. As depicted in FIG. 1, the lens 3a,
which is held by the lens barrel 3, is positioned in the opening
portion in the optical axial forward direction of the front case
1.
[0059] <Rear Case 8>
The rear case 8, through connection to the front case 1, as
described above, forms a space for containing the lens barrel 3,
the first substrate 41, the second substrate 42, and the like. The
rear case 8 is a plate-shaped member having a surface that is
essentially perpendicular to the optical axis A. The rear case 8
has an opening portion in the optical axial rearward direction. A
protruding portion of a connector 9 is inserted into the opening
portion of the rear case 8. The rear case 8 is connected to the
front case 1 through a coupling 52, and connected to the connector
9 through a coupling 53.
[0060] <Waterproofing Seal 2>
The waterproofing seal 2 is a circular ring-shaped member is formed
from an elastic material such as rubber, and is disposed between
the front case 1 and the lens barrel 3 to act to connect the front
case 1 and the lens barrel 3 together without a gap. The
waterproofing seal 2 is of a circular ring shape, along the
position of the outer edge of the opening portion of the front case
1.
[0061] <Lens Barrel 3>
The lens barrel 3 is a cylindrical member that extends in the
optical axial direction. The lens barrel 3 holds at least one
optical member, including a lens 3a. Optical members held in the
lens barrel 3 include, in addition to the lens 3a, lenses, spacers,
aperture plates, optical filters, and the like. The lens that
includes the lens 3a is formed from a raw material that has
transparency, such as glass, plastic, or the like, and refracts and
transmits, in the optical axial rearward direction, the light from
the optical axial forward direction. The spacers are flat annular
ring-shaped members having an appropriate thickness in the optical
axial direction, to adjust the positions of the individual lenses
in the optical axial direction. The spacers have opening portions
in the center portions thereof, including the optical axis. The
aperture plate determines the outermost position of the light that
passes therethrough. The optical filters suppress or block light of
prescribed wavelengths. Optical filters include, for example,
infrared radiation cut filters that reduce the infrared radiation
that passes therethrough. The number of these optical members can
be changed arbitrarily.
[0062] <First Substrate 41 and Second Substrate 42>
The first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 are rigid
substrates on which electronic components, including the imaging
element 43, are mounted. In the present example, the imaging
element 43 and electronic components are mounted on the first
substrate 41, and electronic components are mounted on the second
substrate 42. The first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42
are connected electrically through lead wires that are installed on
a flexible substrate. The electric signals acquired from the
imaging element 43 are subjected to prescribed electronic
processing or signal processing by the electronic components that
are mounted on the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42,
and then outputted as image data to outside of the imaging device.
The first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 are secured by
the coupling 51 at positions within the imaging device.
[0063] The imaging element 43 is a photoelectric converting element
for converting the incident light into electric signals, and is,
for example, a CMOS sensor, a CCD, or the like, although there is
no limitation thereto. Moreover, in the imaging device, an imaging
portion other than the imaging element 43, having an imaging
function, may be used instead. The imaging element is an example of
an "imaging portion" in the present invention.
[0064] <Shield Plate 6>
The shield plate 6 is formed from an electrically conductive
plate-shaped member, and, in the assembled state, is disposed so as
to cover the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42.
[0065] FIG. 6 is a perspective diagram of a shield plate 6
according to the present example. FIG. 7 is a six-view diagram of a
shield plate 6 according to the present example. As depicted in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the shield plate 6 is structured including a
flat face portion 61 and a side face portion 62. The flat face
portion 61 is a part that is formed on a plane that is
perpendicular to the optical axis A. The side face portion 62 is a
part that extends from an end portion of the flat face portion 61
toward the optical axial forward direction. The side face portion
62, when viewed in a plane that is perpendicular to the optical
axis A, is positioned so as to cover the first substrate 41 and the
second substrate 42, from the center of the optical axis A to the
outer periphery position on the outside. The flat face portion 61
is positioned so as to cover at least a portion of the first
substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 in the optical axial
rearward direction.
[0066] The shield plate 6 has a leaf spring portion 63, formed in
the flat face portion 61. The leaf spring portion 63 is a part that
is formed to protrude in the optical axial rearward direction,
while having a slight angle in respect to the plane that is
perpendicular to the optical axis A, through machining a portion of
the plate member that forms the flat face portion 61. That is, the
leaf spring portion 63 is formed integrally with the flat face
portion 61. As depicted by the "C" position in FIG. 5, the leaf
spring portion 63 contacts the optical axial forward direction
surface of the rear case 8 elastically.
[0067] As depicted by the "B" position in FIG. 5, the optical axial
forward direction end portion of the side face portion 62 of the
shield plate 6 contacts the optical axial rearward direction
surface of the front case 1, preventing movement in the optical
axial forward direction. The end portion of the side face portion
62 in the optical axial forward direction is termed the "contacting
portion." Note that the contacting portion need only contact the
position for which movement of the shield plate 6 in the optical
axial forward direction is to be prevented, and may contact another
structure instead of contacting the front case 1.
[0068] As described above, the contacting portion that is the
optical axial forward direction end portion of the shield plate 6
contacts the surface of the front case 1, and the leaf spring
portion 63, which is the optical axial rearward direction end
portion of the shield plate 6, contacts the surface of the rear
case 8 elastically. The position of the shield plate 6 in the
optical axial direction is secured stably through biasing
thereby.
[0069] <Waterproofing Seal 7>
The waterproofing seal 7 is a member that is formed from an elastic
material such as rubber, as with the waterproofing seal 2, and is
disposed between the front case 1 and the rear case 8, to act so as
to connect the front case 1 and the rear case 8 without a gap. The
waterproofing seal 7 has a shape corresponding to the connecting
surface of the front case 1 and the rear case 8, where the
waterproofing seal 7 in the present example is a rectangle with a
corner portion cutaway.
[0070] <Connector 9>
The connector 9 is disposed to the rear of the rear case 8 in the
optical axial rearward direction, and connected to the rear case 8
through a coupling 53. The connector 9, in addition to being used
as the coupling for attaching the imaging device to the device to
which the imaging device is to be connected, also includes signal
lines, and the like, for outputting captured image data.
[0071] In the imaging device according to the present example, the
shield plate 6 has a leaf spring portion 63 that functions as a
biasing portion, to secure the shield plate stably through biasing.
Because of this, when compared to a structure wherein the shield
plate is secured using a pawl, or the like, this can reduce the
shape that protrudes toward the outside, in respect to a plane that
is perpendicular to the optical axis, enabling the imaging device
to be structured in a smaller space. This is particularly useful
when the installation space is limited, such as for an imaging
device that is to be installed in a vehicle. Moreover, when
compared to a shape that uses a pawl, or the like, disassembly is
easier after the device has been assembled, enabling a structure
wherein repairs are easier.
[0072] Moreover, in the imaging device according to the present
example, the shield plate 6 has a flat face portion 61 and a side
face portion 62, enabling effective prevention of incursion of
electromagnetic noise from the outside to the first substrate 41
and the second substrate 42.
[0073] Moreover, in the imaging device according to the present
example, a leaf spring portion 63 that is formed on the flat face
portion 61 is used as the structure for securing the shield plate 6
through biasing, enabling the shield plate 6 to be secured stably
through a relatively simple and inexpensive structure.
Another example according to the present invention will be
explained next in reference to the drawings. When compared to the
above example, the main points of difference in the present example
are that the connector 9 is replaced with a coaxial connector 9a,
and the shield plate 6a is connected to the ground electropotential
of the coaxial connector 9a. While the present example will be
explained below, explanations will be omitted for those structures
and functions that are identical to those in the above example.
[0074] FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are perspective assembly diagrams of an
imaging device according to the present example, wherein FIG. 8 is
a diagram seen from the front side and FIG. 9 is a diagram seen
from the rear side. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional diagram of the
imaging device according to the present example.
[0075] As depicted in FIG. 8 through FIG. 10, an imaging device
according to the present example is structured including a front
case 1, a waterproofing seal 2, a lens barrel 3, a first substrate
41, a second substrate 42a, a shield plate 6a, a waterproofing seal
7, a rear case 8, a coaxial connector 9a, and couplings 51, 52, and
53.
[0076] <Shield Plate 6a>
The shield plate 6a is formed from an electrically conductive
plate-shaped member, and, in the assembled state, is disposed so as
to cover the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42a. The
shield plate 6a is connected electrically to the ground
electropotential part of the coaxial connector 9a.
[0077] FIG. 11 is a perspective diagram of a shield plate 6a
according to the present example. FIG. 12 is a six-view diagram of
a shield plate 6a according to the present example. As depicted in
FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the shield plate 6a is structured including a
flat face portion 61a and a side face portion 62a, the same as in
the above example.
[0078] The leaf spring portion 63a is formed integrally with the
flat face portion 61a. The leaf spring portion 63a has a notch
portion 64a that is cut away in an arc shape. The notch portion 64a
forms an arc shape along the ground electropotential part of the
coaxial connector 9a, structured so as to contact the ground
electropotential part with a relatively wide area (the position of
"E" in FIG. 10). That is, the shield plate 6a is connected
electrically to the ground electropotential of the coaxial
connector 9a through the leaf spring portion 63a. In the shield
plate 6a, the position is secured elastically through the leaf
spring portion 63a.
[0079] As depicted by the "D" position in FIG. 10, the optical
axial forward direction end portion of the side face portion 62a of
the shield plate 6a contacts the optical axial rearward direction
surface of the front case 1, preventing movement in the optical
axial forward direction.
[0080] <Coaxial Connector 9a>
The coaxial connector 9a connects the imaging device to an external
device electrically, and is also used as the attachment for
attaching the imaging device to the device to which it is to be
attached. The coaxial connector 9a is connected to a terminal 44a
that protrudes in the optical axial rearward direction from the
second substrate 42a. Moreover, the ground electropotential part of
the coaxial connector 9a is contacted by the leaf spring portion
63a.
[0081] <Second Substrate 42a>
The second substrate 42a is a rigid substrate upon which electronic
components are mounted, and has a terminal 44a that protrudes in
the optical axial rearward direction. The terminal 44a is
cylindrical, and is inserted into a hole portion that is formed in
the coaxial connector 9a, to secure stably the coaxial connector 9a
and the second substrate 42a.
[0082] In the imaging device according to the present example, the
shield plate 6a is connected electrically to the ground
electropotential through the leaf spring portion 63a. Through this,
the electropotential of the shield plate 6a is stabilized as the
ground electropotential, enabling more effective prevention of the
effects of electromagnetic noise on the substrates. Note that the
shield plate 6a need not be connected to the ground
electropotential of the coaxial connector 9a, but may instead be
connected to another ground electropotential.
[0083] Moreover, in the imaging device according to the present
example, the shield plate 6a is connected electrically to the
ground electropotential of the coaxial connector 9a, and thus the
shield plate 6a is connected to a low-impedance ground
electropotential, enabling more effective prevention of the effects
of electromagnetic noise on the substrates.
A further example according to the present invention will be
explained next in reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 13 through
FIG. 20. In the imaging device according to the present example,
one distinctive feature is the point that two shield plates, having
a noise shielding function, are provided so as to cover a first
substrate and a second substrate respectively, where the shield
plates have biasing portions, to be held stably, through biasing in
the optical axial direction. In the present example, below, the
structures and functions that are identical to those of the initial
example are assigned similar reference symbols, and explanations
thereof may be omitted.
[0084] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are exterior perspective diagrams of an
imaging device according to the present example, wherein FIG. 1 is
a diagram seen from the front side and FIG. 2 is a diagram seen
from the rear side. FIG. 13 through FIG. 15 are exploded
perspective diagrams of imaging devices according to the present
example, where FIG. 13 is a diagram looking from the front side,
FIG. 14 is a diagram looking from the front side with the first
shield plate removed for ease in understanding, and FIG. 15 is a
diagram looking from the rear side. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional
diagram of the imaging device according to the present example.
[0085] As depicted in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 13 through FIG. 16,
an imaging device according to the present example is structured
including a front case 1, a waterproofing seal 2, a lens barrel 3,
a first substrate 41, a second substrate 42, a first shield plate
610, a second shield plate 620, a waterproofing seal 7, a rear case
8, a connector 9, and couplings 51, 52, and 53.
[0086] <First Substrate 41 and Second Substrate 42>
With the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 according
to the present example, the peripheries thereof are covered
respectively by a first shield plate 610 and a second shield plate
620.
[0087] <First Shield Plate 610>
The first shield plate 610 is formed from an electrically
conductive plate-shaped member, and, in the assembled state, is
disposed so as to cover the first substrate 41.
[0088] FIG. 17 is a perspective diagram of a first shield plate 610
according to the present example. FIG. 18 is a six-view diagram of
the first shield plate 610 according to the present example. As
depicted in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the first shield plate 610 is
structured including a flat face portion 610a and a side face
portion 610b. The flat face portion 610a is a part that is formed
on a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis A, and is
positioned between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate
42. The side face portion 610b is a part that extends from three
edges of the end portions of the rectangular shape of the flat face
portion 610a toward the optical axial forward direction. The side
face portion 610b is positioned so as to cover three directions of
the rectangular part on the outside of the first substrate 41. The
flat face portion 610a is positioned so as to cover at least a
portion of the first substrate 41 in the optical axial rearward
direction.
[0089] As depicted in FIG. 17 and FIG. 18, the side face portion
610b of the first shield plate 610 extends further in the optical
axial rearward direction than the flat face portion 610a, and has a
plurality of rearward extending portions 610c.
[0090] <Second Shield Plate 620>
The second shield plate 620 is formed from an electrically
conductive plate-shaped member, and, in the assembled state, is
disposed so as to cover the second substrate 42.
[0091] FIG. 19 is a perspective diagram of a second shield plate
620 according to the present example. FIG. 20 is a six-view diagram
of the second shield plate 620 according to the present example. As
depicted in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, the second shield plate 620 is
structured including a flat face portion 620a and a side face
portion 620b. The flat face portion 620a is a part that is formed
on a plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis A. The side
face portion 620b is a part that extends from four edges of the end
portions of the rectangular shape of the flat face portion 620a
toward the optical axial forward direction. The side face portion
620b is positioned so as to cover the outside of the second
substrate 42. The flat face portion 620a is positioned so as to
cover at least a portion of the second substrate 42 in the optical
axial rearward direction.
[0092] As depicted in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, contacting portions
620e, for contacting the flat face portion 610a of the first shield
plate 610, in the optical axial forward direction of the side face
portion 620b of the second shield plate 620, have steps that
approach the optical axis. Note that these steps in the contacting
portions 620e are not absolutely necessary, but may instead be of
inclined shapes, or may have shapes that have no steps nor
inclines. In this way, movement of the first shield plate 610 and
the second shield plate 620 relative to each other in the
directions perpendicular to the optical axis is prevented by the
rearward extending portions 610c of the first shield plate 610 and
the contacting portions 620e of the second shield plate 620. This
enables prevention of the second shield plate 620 from becoming
detached, for example, in the optical axial forward direction,
through shifting in respect to the first shield plate 610.
[0093] The second shield plate 620 has a leaf spring portion 620c
that is formed in the flat face portion 620a. The leaf spring
portion 620c is a part that is formed to protrude in the optical
axial rearward direction, while having a slight angle in respect to
the plane that is perpendicular to the optical axis A, through
machining a portion of the plate member that forms the flat face
portion 620a. That is, the leaf spring portion 620c is formed
integrally with the flat face portion 620a. As depicted by the
position of "C" in FIG. 16, the leaf spring portion 620c makes
contact elastically with the ground electropotential part that is
the optical axial forward direction surface of the connector 9.
[0094] The leaf spring portion 620c has a notch portion 620d that
is cut away in an arc shape. The notch portion 620d forms an arc
shape along the ground electropotential part of the coaxial
connector 9, structured so as to contact the ground
electropotential part with a relatively wide area (the position of
"C" in FIG. 16). That is, the second shield plate 620 is connected
electrically to the ground electropotential of the coaxial
connector 9 through the leaf spring portion 620c. The leaf spring
portion 620c is an example of a "biasing portion" in the present
invention.
[0095] As depicted by the "D" position in FIG. 16, the optical
axial forward direction end portion of the side face portion 620b
of the second shield plate 620 contacts the flat face portion 610a
of the first shield plate 610, preventing movement in the optical
axial forward direction. An electrical connection is made between
the second shield plate 620 and the first shield plate 610 through
contact at this "D" position. Because the second shield plate 620
is connected electrically to the ground electropotential, the first
shield plate 610 will also be connected electrically to the ground
electropotential.
[0096] Moreover, as depicted by the position of "D" in FIG. 16, the
first shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620 have shapes
that are mutually different and that fit together. Through this,
the first shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620 are
connected stably, so as to not shift relative to each other. Note
that the first shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620
need not necessarily have fitting shapes such as this, but instead
need only make contact so as to not move in respect to each other
in the optical axial direction.
[0097] As depicted by the "B" position in FIG. 16, the optical
axial forward direction end portion of the side face portion 610b
of the first shield plate 610 contacts the optical axial rearward
direction surface of the front case 1, preventing movement in the
optical axial forward direction. This optical axial forward
direction end portion of the side face portion 610b of the first
shield plate 610 may be termed a "contacting portion. Note that the
contacting portion need only contact the position for which
movement of the first shield plate 610 in the optical axial forward
direction is to be prevented, and may contact another structure
instead of contacting the front case 1.
[0098] As described above, the contacting portion that is the
optical axial forward direction end portion of the first shield
plate 610 contacts the surface of the first case 1, and the flat
face portion 610a of the optical axial rearward direction contacts
the side face portion 620b of the second shield plate 620. The leaf
spring portion 620c of the optical axial rearward direction of the
second shield plate 620 contacts the surface of the rear case 8
elastically. The positions of the first shield plate 610 and of the
second shield plate 620 in the optical axial direction are secured
stably through biasing thereby.
[0099] <Connector 9>
The connector 9 is disposed to the rear of the rear case 8 in the
optical axial rearward direction, and connected to the rear case 8
through a coupling 53. The connector 9 connects the imaging device
to an external device electrically, and is also used as the
attachment for attaching the imaging device to the device to which
it is to be attached. The connector 9 is connected to a terminal
44a that protrudes in the optical axial rearward direction from the
second substrate 42. Moreover, the ground electropotential part of
the connector 9 is contacted by the leaf spring portion 620c.
[0100] In the imaging device according to the present example, the
first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 can be protected
effectively from electromagnetic noise through the structure
wherein the first shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620
are provided. Moreover, the structure that has the leaf spring
portion 620c that functions as a biasing portion makes it possible
to reduce the shape that protrudes toward the outside, when
compared to a structure wherein the shield plates are secured using
a pawl, or the like, while stabilizing the positions of the first
shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620. This enables a
structure that reduces the size of the imaging device. Moreover,
when compared to a shape that uses a pawl, or the like, disassembly
is easier after the device has been assembled, enabling a structure
wherein repairs are easier.
[0101] Moreover, because, in the imaging device according to the
present example, the first shield plate 610 and the second shield
plate 620 have respective flat face portions 610a and 620a and side
face portion 610b and 620b, this can more effectively prevent the
effects of electromagnetic noise on the first substrate 41 and on
the second substrate 42.
[0102] Additionally, in the imaging device according to the present
invention, a leaf spring portion 620c, formed in the flat face
portion 620a, is used as the structure for securing the second
shield plate 620 through biasing. This leaf spring portion 620c
enables structuring so as to secure stably, through a biasing
force, the position of the first shield plate 610, in addition to
the second shield plate 620.
[0103] In the imaging device according to the present invention,
the first shield plate 610 has a contacting portion and the second
shield plate 620 has a biasing portion, enabling the positions of
the first shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620 to be
stabilized further.
[0104] Moreover, in that the imaging device according to the
present example, the second shield plate 620 is connected to the
ground electropotential, so both the first shield plate 610 and the
second shield plate 620 will be at the ground electropotential,
enabling more effective prevention of the effects of
electromagnetic noise on the substrates.
[0105] Additionally, in the imaging device according to the present
example, the ground electropotential part of the connector 9 is
connected to the second shield plate 620 through the leaf spring
portion 620c of the second shield plate 620. The second shield
plate 620 and the first shield plate 610 are connected thereby to a
low-impedance ground electropotential, enabling more effective
prevention of the effects of electromagnetic noise on the
substrates.
[0106] In the imaging device according to the present example, the
flat face portion 610a of the first shield plate 610 is positioned
between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42. This
enables shielding of electromagnetic noise that would propagate
between the first substrate 41 and the second substrate 42.
[0107] <4. Supplementary Items>
An example according to the present invention was explained in
detail above. The explanation above is no more than an explanation
of one form of example, and the scope of the present invention is
not limited to this form of example, but rather is interpreted
broadly, in a scope that can be understood by one skilled in the
art.
[0108] For example, while in the imaging device in the example, set
forth above, the shield plate 6 has a contacting portion in the
optical axial forward direction and a biasing portion in the
optical axial rearward direction, the structure instead may have
the biasing portion in the optical axial forward direction and the
contacting portion in the optical axial rearward direction.
Moreover, the structure may instead have biasing portions in both
the optical axial forward and rearward directions.
[0109] Moreover, the leaf spring portion 63 that is formed in the
shield plate 6 need not necessarily be formed in the flat face
portion 61, but rather may be formed at another location
instead.
[0110] Additionally, the shield plate 6 may have another flat face
portion in a position that faces the flat face portion 61 in the
optical axial direction, to form a box shape. This can prevent the
effects of electromagnetic noise on the first substrate 41 and the
second substrate 42 more effectively.
[0111] Moreover, while in the examples the explanations used, as an
example, a structure where the first substrate 41 and the second
substrate 42 were structured separately, the structure need not
necessarily be provided with two substrates. For example, the
structure may be one that is provided with a single substrate, or a
structure that is provided with three or more substrates. In this
case as well, a given noise prevention effect can be produced
through a structure wherein a shield plate 6 covers at least one
substrate.
[0112] Moreover, there is no limitation to the front case 1 and
rear case 8 being structured as in the example. For example, the
shape may instead be one wherein the front case 1 is a plate-shaped
member that forms a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the
optical axial direction, with the rear case 8 having a plate-shaped
member, formed in a plane that is essentially perpendicular to the
optical axial direction, and side faces that protrude in the
optical axial forward direction from the outer edge portion of the
plate-shaped member. That is, the front case 1 and the rear case 8
may employ arbitrary shapes that form a case through connecting
together. Moreover, the front case 1 and rear case 8 may be formed
from a material other than resin.
[0113] Additionally, while the leaf spring portion 63a of the
shield plate 6a had an arc-shaped notch portion 64a, the notch
portion 64a need not necessarily be of an arc shape. For example,
the structure may be such that the notch portion 64a has an opening
portion, with an outer edge part of the opening portion is
connected electrically to the ground electropotential part.
[0114] Moreover, while, in the imaging device according to the
further example, described above, the first shield plate 610 had a
contacting portion in the optical axial forward direction and the
second shield plate 620 had a biasing portion in the optical axial
rearward direction, the structure may instead be one wherein the
first shield plate 610 has a biasing portion in the optical axial
forward direction and the second shield plate 620 has a contacting
portion in the optical axial rearward direction. Moreover, because
the structure need only be such that the positions of the first
shield plate 610 and of the second shield plate 620 are secured
through biasing, the structure may be one wherein the first shield
plate 610 and/or the second shield plate 620 has a biasing portion.
The structure may be one wherein the position of contact between
the first shield plate 610 and the second shield plate 620 is a
biasing portion, such as a leaf spring.
[0115] Additionally, the positional relationship between the first
substrate 41 and the second substrate 42 is arbitrary, and the
structure may be one wherein the second substrate 42 is positioned
further in the optical axial forward direction than the first
substrate 41. Moreover, the structure may be one that is equipped
with yet another substrate, in addition to the first substrate 41
and the second substrate 42.
[0116] Moreover, the leaf spring portion 620c that is formed in the
second shield plate 620 need not necessarily be formed in the flat
face portion 620a, but rather may be formed at another location
instead.
[0117] Additionally, the first shield plate 610 and the second
shield plate 620 may be formed into a box shape, having an
additional flat face portion at a position facing the flat face
portion 610a or 620a in the optical axial direction. This can
prevent the effects of electromagnetic noise on the first substrate
41 and the second substrate 42 more effectively.
[0118] Additionally, while the leaf spring portion 620c of the
second shield plate 620 had an arc-shaped notch portion 620d, the
notch portion 620d need not necessarily be of an arc shape. For
example, the structure may be such that the notch portion 620d has
an opening portion, with an outer edge part of the opening portion
is connected electrically to the ground electropotential part.
[0119] The present invention can be used suitably for imaging
devices, or the like, for vehicle mounting.
* * * * *